Glenlivet archaeological dig reveals mysteries of 19th century whisky production
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ARCHAEOLOGISTS have made new discoveries around 19th century whisky production during a dig at the old site of The Glenlivet distillery.
National Trust for Scotland archaeologists, in partnership with The Glenlivet, unearthed fire pits, timber lined vats and receivers as well as whisky tasting glasses.
Taking place over two weeks as part of the Pioneering Spirit project, the archaeology team investigated the site of the former distillery where George Smith, The Glenlivet's founder, became the first legal whisky distiller in the area.
It was there, in 1824, that he produced his single malt whisky legally during a period of illicit distilling in Speyside.
The team discovered three fire pits in total which would have been used for copper stills as well as timber vats and receivers.
Whisky tasting glasses were also discovered which has given archaeologists a fuller picture of the era's whisky making process.
They estimate that the size of the site could have had the capacity to produce around 1530 litres of whisky per week.
The team said that the site was incredibly well preserved, despite the fact that it would have been dismantled when the distillery was moved to its modern day location.
Other finds included a George III silver shilling dating from around 1816 - 1820.
Derek Alexander, National Trust for Scotland Head of Archaeology, said: “Despite the site having been intentionally dismantled when the distillery was relocated in 1859, we have been surprised by the level of preservation of some of its structural elements.
"It is still possible to trace the main activities within the still house and there were even some wooden elements surviving that must be around 200 years old.
"The old site at The Glenlivet forms a really nice crossover between the small-scale illicit whisky bothies hidden in the hills, through the medium-scale, farm-based level of production, to the large-scale factory facility, that characterises the Scottish whisky-making industry today.
"You can see where it has developed from farm to distillery and how it has expanded over time in order to increase output.
"We can see many elements of the legalised whisky production process here and many of the artefacts also provide an insight into the lives of the staff who lived and worked there. It’s a privilege to be allowed to work on this site, and with such a dedicated group of volunteers, with guidance from whisky industry experts."
Robert Athol, newly appointed Chivas Brothers archivist, added: “I volunteered on the dig site this summer and it's incredibly exciting collaborating with National Trust for Scotland as we continue to learn more about The Glenlivet’s history.
"Archaeological evidence found at the dig fills in the gaps we have in the documentary history where records have not survived or were not created."
This year’s dig follows the success of similar events held at the site of the former Glenlivet distillery, Torridon and Mar Lodge Estate, using archive and land research to reveal the scale of illicit production during a time when whisky-making was forbidden.
Last year’s week-long dig at the site of the old Glenlivet distillery uncovered part of the footprint of the old building alongside a whole range of artefacts and features connected to whisky-making.
